What's up with the Chemical Industry!

May 2024

Hi there guys!

Sorry for the delay on News about the Chemical Industry...

I was focused in Launching the Pumps Fundamentals Course! If you want to support this Newsletter, you can check it out!

Now, let's focus into the Chemical World!

Chemical Industry News

The News

• LyondellBasell Aquires NATPET
  • LyondellBasell acquired a 35% stake in Saudi-based NATPET from Alujain. (read more)

• BASF going CO2 Netural for Fumarates
  • BASF is researching a CO2-neutral method for producing bio-based fumarate.
  • The research involves using bacteria found in cow stomachs and is a collaborative effort between universities in Saarland, Marburg, and Kaiserslautern. (read more)

• Noble Corporation is acquiring Diamond Offshore in a stock and cash deal.
  • This merger signifies ongoing consolidation in the oil and gas drilling sector. (read more)

• ECHEMI becoming a global player
  • ECHEMI, a global chemical product distributor, has risen to 50th place in the ICIS 2024 Top 100 Chemical Distributors ranking.
  • This achievement highlights ECHEMI's growing presence in the global chemical distribution market.

• Eni drilling in Mexico Offshore:
  • Eni drills Mexico offshore exploration well with sights on potential new project
  • Italian company assessing joint development in the Sureste basin (read more)
• Self-Healing Batteries?
  • A new, safer, and more flexible battery for wearable tech has been invented.
  • This self-healing battery boasts excellent energy density, power density, cycle life, and flexibility. (read more)

• US Steel Plates
  • The US spot market for steel plate has stabilized in price with a bearish tone during the 4th and 5th weeks.
  • This stability is attributed to prevailing market sentiment and ongoing labour negotiations. (read more)

• Honeywell Technologies for Olefins
  • Honeywell has developed a technology that can reduce emissions intensity from light olefin production by up to 50%.
  • This new development could represent a significant step towards sustainability in the chemical manufacturing sector. (read more)

• AI vs ChemE Jobs?
  • A new report suggests that Artificial intelligence (AI) could impact nearly half of chemical engineering jobs.
  • The report predicts AI will significantly change workloads, potentially allowing chemical engineers more time for complex tasks.

• More on Carbon Captre Technologies in Europe
  • A European contractor has successfully finished crucial engineering studies for a large upcoming Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) hub.
  • Although the specific location and other details are not mentioned, this signifies progress in developing CCS technology.

• Polyurethane Mattresses Solution
  • A consortium, including Ecomaison, Covestro, Secondly, and Federal Eco Foam, has initiated a research project to develop an innovative concept for recycling end-of-life polyurethane mattress foams.
  • This initiative aims to address the environmental concerns associated with polyurethane foam waste. (read more)

Short News:

• Christine Grosse Lembeck will lead BASF's Battery Recycling business.
• The Röchling Group's sales rose by 4.6 percent to EUR 2,723 million despite global challenges in 2023.
• Merck acquired ophthalmology startup EyeBio for $3 billion
• Dow Chemical formulated a new polyolefin elastomer artificial leather for the automotive market.
• BASF and Worldlight launched a new polyurethane photovoltaic module frame.
• TotalEnergies and Air Products signed a 15-year contract to deliver 70,000 tons of green hydrogen annually in Europe, starting in 2030.
• Cepsa began constructing Spain’s first hydroalcoholic gel (isopropyl alcohol) production plant.
• Evonik named Guido Skudlarek as President of its North America operations.

Final thoughts

Let wrap it up, recent activities across the chemical, energy, and manufacturing sectors reveal a strong emphasis on strategic growth, technological innovation, and sustainability. Markets & Industry seem to be having a good time for now, signaling a dynamic and evolving industrial landscape.

I'll be focusing my attention in the Stock & Markets Newsletter (in 2 weeks) to see if there is any interesting data coming out!

As stated by many of you in your e-mail, I know that the Chemical Industry may, sometimes, not contain the most exciting news of all (unlike Tech), but is still relevant to keep track of whats going on!

Let me know what are your thoughts!

See you next month!

Is there anything in especial that you liked the most?

Just reply to this e-mail and let me know!

My best wishes!

Emmanuel Ortega

a.k.a. Chemical Engineering Guy

113 Cherry St, Seattle, WA 92768
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